The effect of intermittent energy restriction compared to continuous energy restriction on weight loss in healthy overweight to obese females

In a randomized parallel study, overweight and obese (body mass index [BMI] greater than or equal to 27kg/m2) women were stratified by age and BMI before randomization. Participants undertook an 8-week intensive period with weight, waist and hip circumference measured every 2 weeks, followed by 44 weeks of independent dieting. A food frequency questionnaire was completed at baseline and 12 months, from which diet quality was determined. Weight loss was not significantly different between the two groups at 8 weeks (-3.2kg CER, -2.0kg IER) or at 12 months (-4.2kg CER -2.1kg IER). Waist and hip circumference decreased significantly with time, with no difference between groups. There was an increase in the Healthy Eating Index at 12 months in the CER compared with the IER group (CER 8.4 vs. IER -0.3). This study indicates that intermittent dieting was as effective as continuous dieting over 8 weeks and for weight loss.